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LAWRENCE — The William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications and the University of Kansas Information Technology & Telecommunication Center have announced an interdisciplinary partnership as they open The Media Informatics Lab.

Known as MILAB, it will focus on the research of the definition, development and distribution of solutions to current and future communication challenges.

“The Media Informatics Lab is a partnership that will reflect not only the J-School’s dedication to creating solutions to the evolution of journalism and communication,” said Ann Brill, dean of the School of Journalism. “It will help KU remain a leader in research that impacts and improves the way we communicate in our world today and in the future.”

The mission of the MILAB, in addition to aligning itself with the Bold Aspirations strategic plan set forth by KU, is to improve the ability to share knowledge by utilizing and improving the most innovative, effective and sustainable solutions possible. The partnership with ITTC will serve as a way to combine the knowledge and expertise of the journalism and communication fields with that of the technology field.

“This is a chance to push the J-School in front of developing the newest models for journalism in the 21st century,” said Mike Williams, School of Journalism director of special projects and innovation. “This is an excellent way for the school to serve as a catalyst for interdisciplinary work across the campus involving technology.”

"ITTC has traditional strengths in sensing, processing and transmitting information,” said Perry Alexander, director of ITTC. “With the addition of the Media Informatics Lab's expertise in presenting information, we will be able to leverage our strengths in new ways."

Faculty and students from the J-School as well as units across the university will help staff and run the MILAB. The MILAB will launch its first projects in fall 2012 and will be housed in the School of Journalism.

For more information on the MILAB, contact Mike Williams by email or at (785) 864-7638.